Are lingual braces for you? Our dentist answers the top 5 FAQs about this orthodontic treatment

When you are looking into having braces fitted as an adult, you will be happy to learn that you may be a bit spoiled for choice!

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With advances in modern orthodontic care allowing more people to wear discreet braces, there is no longer the need to worry about how your smile will look in photos. As cosmetic aligners and orthodontic ones have merged, many people are now suited to wearing clear or invisible braces. From Invisalign to Lingual braces, more complex alignment issues can now be corrected without the need for traditional metal alternatives.

And at Harley Street Dental, our dentist in Harley Street can choose the perfect brace for you and your unique clinical requirements. With our precision application and our knowledge of all things brace-related, you can have that straighter, healthier-looking smile you have always wanted in 6 months or less! Perfect!

In this article, we will explore one of our more popular braces, that combines aesthetics with some more traditional aspects of orthodontics; lingual braces. Enjoy!

What are lingual braces?

Picture regular metal braces, and then place them on the back of the teeth as opposed to the front and you have lingual braces!

Once fitted, our dentist in Harley Street will need to see you every few weeks to adjust and tighten the aligners, in order for that straighter smile to come to fruition sooner.

Discreet and highly effective, you can even brag to your friends that you are wearing the same brace type that was once worn by Prince William!

Are they uncomfortable?

Whether you are undertaking lingual braces or Invisalign, the realignment process is likely to cause some minimal discomfort.

Remember, you are moving teeth that are set in their place into new positions using applied force, so some twinges are to be expected. However, if you feel that the discomfort is too much to bear, contact our dentist in Harley Street for a check-up and assessment of your lingual brace.

Will I have a lisp while wearing them?

When it comes to all kinds of brace and aligners, it is likely that for those first few days you will have some alterations in your speech.

Once your tongue has adjusted to having them in your mouth, your normal speech patterns should return.

How long will I need the incognito brace for?

This depends entirely on the severity of your orthodontic issue and as lingual braces are designed to treat more complex cases of misalignment, you can expect to wear them for at least 18 months. In more complex cases, you may be required to wear this brace for up to 36 months, but our team can provide a more accurate estimate.

Do they really work?

Yes, they do.

In fact, lingual braces have a similar long-term success rate as regular braces. Up to 96% of all patients who have undertaken lingual braces report a straighter smile 5 years following treatment. Remember, to ensure your teeth don’t relapse, you will need to wear a custom-fitted retainer afterwards.

Need to see an emergency dentist for a painless issue? Steps to take before the appointment

When many people hear the word emergency used in conjunction with dentistry, they immediately equate the scenario to being one that is uncomfortable.

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And there is some truth to that- the majority of emergency dental visits are linked to discomfort in a tooth or the jaw.

But if you find yourself with a dental emergency that isn’t linked to discomfort, what do you do?

Far from an oxymoron, dental emergencies also include issues such as chipped or cracked teeth, lost fillings or crowns, swelling to the jaw, gums or oral area and broken orthodontic braces. And as you can see, these are not all necessarily as uncomfortable as an abscess.

Here at Harley Street Dental, our emergency dentist in Harley Street can handle all manner of emergency care and will aim to resolve any issue you may have. We are proud to be able to offer same-day emergency appointments, allowing you fast relief, shortening the chance of secondary complications. Perfect!

But while you are waiting for our surgery to open to see our emergency dentist in Harley Street, here are some steps you can take to ensure the appointment goes more smoothly. Remember, this is not intended for those suffering from either acute dental pain or abscesses.

Cracked or chipped tooth

OK, so this is unlikely to have happened in the middle of the night!

But, as soon as you are aware that one of your teeth is chipped or cracked, try to save as many pieces as you can and call our emergency dentist in Harley Street.

If there is any bleeding, apply a piece of clean gauze to the area, and apply a cold compress to the outer cheek to keep swelling to a minimum.

Lost filling

An irritant that may cause minor discomfort, a lost filling can occur at any time.

If you have prepared for this moment in advance (well done you!), then you can apply some temporary dental cement to the area, to prevent bacteria from getting access to the tooth’s pulp.

If you don’t have any dental cement, place a piece of sugar-free gum where the filling was and wait for your appointment with our emergency team.

Lost crown

If your crown falls out, place it in a Tupperware container to keep it safe.

If possible, dab some clove oil onto your tooth and use some dental cement to cover it over. You can even use the dental cement to temporarily place the crown back onto the tooth but under no circumstances use super glue to do this!

Swelling

Swelling can be temporarily managed by placing an ice pack on the cheek, neck or jaw where the swelling has occurred.

Take over the counter anti-inflammatory pain relief to reduce the swelling and contact our team promptly.

Brace related issues

If a piece of your brace snaps and is cutting into your inner cheek, take a cotton wool ball and place it over the sharp end. Contact our team and your orthodontist to resolve this issue.

Reasons why you should choose us as your family dental clinic

Choosing a dentist isn’t a decision that can be made lightly, especially if you’re after an oral health practitioner who can treat all your loved ones with the utmost precision and care.

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Our team at Harley Dental aren’t just imbued with the knowledge to address your dental health issues, but we’re also highly personable and empathetic. We understand that visiting the dentist is an activity enjoyed by a few, which is why we make it our priority to ensure that your appointment with us runs smoothly. In the below, we’ll discuss how we aim to make your time with us as pleasant as possible at the dentist in Harley Street.

We’ve created a safe and calming environment

Dental anxiety is an all-too-common side effect of a traumatic experience, which is something we don’t treat seriously.

Our doctors are specialised in attending to patients who suffer from panic, terror or fear associated with seeing the dentist in Harley Street.

We’ll talk you through your fear and fully explain the steps of the procedure that you’ll be undergoing. We’ll discuss approaches you can use to remain calm, which includes listening to music, watching a movie, or following deep breathing techniques.

Conscious sedation is another alternative if the above-mentioned holistic approaches don’t relax you.

Our practice is eye-catching, comfortable and clean

Our clients love the charming Georgian-style exterior of our practice, not to mention the cosy interiors and warm greetings extended by a friendly team of receptionists.

Grab a beverage and find something to read before your appointment. Our bright and airy waiting room features various seating arrangements to keep you comfortable.

We provide a personalised service

Your dental problems are unique to you, which is why we provide customised sets of treatments taking into account your budget, preferences, wants, and fears.

Our treatment menu is comprehensive

Ranging from cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics, through to preventative dentistry, we offer a wide selection of treatments, administered by top professionals at the dentist in Harley Street.

Below you’ll find brief descriptions of our top treatments.

Teeth whitening is an aesthetic treatment that lightens the shade of your teeth. Tough stains and marks are removed from the surfaces of your pearly whites using Hydrogen Peroxide in one or two dental appointments.

Dental implants are a groundbreaking restoration treatment that replaces absent teeth at the root. It’s popular among people who’ve suffered both minor and significant teeth loss.

If there is one thing we know, it’s that you’re never too old for braces. Our onsite orthodontist will find the most suitable straightening aid for your unique orthodontic issue.

We’re for kids! Preventative dental care starts early, so the sooner your children begin to see us, the chances of obtaining severe issues as adults are significantly reduced. We commonly treat our little patients using fluoride application and routine checkups to keep their milk teeth healthy and strong. 

We attend to emergency dental work as quickly as possible, working hard to preserve your damaged teeth while relieving accompanying pain.

Who is Harley Street Dental Clinic?

We, here at the Harley Street Dental Clinic, believe excellence in dentistry is mandatory in assisting all patients in achieving their best smile possible. We understand that a healthy smile is paramount to feeling good about your appearance. We aim to exceed the expectations of all our patients who come to our Dentist Harley Street. We aim to deliver the best experience in our friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We have a dedicated team of dentists on hand to ensure that you get the help and attention that you need. We will always ensure that your needs are put at the forefront of everything that we do. This article will take you through what treatments we offer as well as what you should do next if you do decide that we are the practice for you. We are on hand with our friendly receptionist team to assist you in your dental needs, so why not give us a  call?

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What treatments are on offer?

If we, here at the Harley Street Dental Clinic, sound like a perfect practice for your dental needs you will be happy to know that as a Dentist Harley Street, we offer a number of different treatments. We offer General Treatments to allow you to keep your smile looking happy and healthy, this can also be completed through Preventative Dentistry. If you are looking to reconstruct your smile into a more aesthetically pleasing one then you could look into Cosmetic Dentistry, where we will work with you and your smile to improve its appearance. If you have unfortunately lost some of your teeth, we can work with you and our Missing Teeth treatments which will complete your smile again, this can also be done through Dental Implants. If you are looking to straighten your smile then you could look into

Invisalign and the other forms of Orthodontics that we offer. We can take special care of children’s teeth as well as offering specialist support. We also offer facial aesthetics, which you can use if you wish to improve your appearance. Patients should read on to the next section to discover what they should do next.

What should I do next?

If we, here at the Harley Street Dental Clinic, sound like the practice for you, then you should consider getting in touch with us so we can begin to help you on your journey to a healthier smile. We can offer you a free consultation here at Dentist Harley Street so we can begin to assist you in the best way possible. Your free initial consultation will be with one of our highly trained and friendly cosmetic dentists.as a result of your consolation we will be able to discuss your options moving forward in achieving a brand new smile. You will be able to meet our dental team as well as voice your concerns about your smile. We will be able to help you put a plan into place so you can access the treatments that you require. You will be advised on the best option moving forward for your smile.

Who are Harley Street Dental Clinic?

We are a dentist in Harley Street who aims to provide excellent care to all of our patients. We aim to go above and beyond for each patient by delivering a highly personalised service that uses the most cutting edge treatments and methods. We can support you in your venture to a stronger and healthier looking smile and allow you to finally get the smile that you always wished that you had.

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This article will run through the treatments that we offer as well as why we think that we could be a good fit for you and your family. Should you decide that we as a practice could be a good choice for you and your family then you should consider getting in touch with us here at our warm and welcoming practice. You could also use the website to get a better feel for the treatments and services that we offer.

What services do you offer?

Here at Harley Street Dental we can offer you and your family a wide range of different treatments. All of these treatments have been specially designed with you in mind so you can get the best possible assistance in making your smile look how you always dreamed it would. You could consider one of our many cosmetic dentistry treatments as these were specially designed to allow you to sculpt your smile into the one that you are proud of. These treatments can make your smile look more aesthetically pleasing.

We can offer treatments that also combat the issue of missing teeth so you can have your smile be completed again – this can be completed through a number of different treatments, one being dental implants. Being a dentist in Harley Street, of course we also offer more general treatments so we can support you with all of your dental needs. This is in direct conjunction with preventive dentistry which can allow us to work with you to prevent issues from arising unnecessarily. If a patient is looking to straighten their smile, this is amongst the services that we can offer. This can be done through Invisalign and orthodontics. We also do work specially for children’s dentistry, facial aesthetics and specialist referrals.

Why should I consider this practice?

Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic, as a dentist in Harley Street, we want to put the time and effort into each of our patients, so they can get the help that they need. We understand that each patient has something individual that they want for their smile and overall oral health.

We only provide the highest standards of treatment for each and every patient, so patients can be assured that they are in the best possible hands. Every interaction that you have in our practice is a friendly one, from making your initial appointment, right through to the dentist who carries out the necessary work. We strive to make your experiences as relaxing as possible, this comes down to regularly available tea and coffee, a television set and comfortable seating. We take the time to get to know you so you can be matched with the best dentist for your individual needs.

Preventive care by your dentist in Harley Street

Your smile is your opportunity to speak without words. We use our smiles to convey emotion and interact unconsciously with our peers, business associates and acquaintances. By ensuring that your smile is as healthy as possible, then you are putting your best foot forward in all of your ventures in life.

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By choosing a dentist in Harley Street who looks at your whole wellbeing when considering the approach to your oral health care, you are ensuring that caring for your smile improves your general health and is essentially easy to do.

Preventive health care is one of the fundamental approaches to dentistry that your dentist in Harley Street is confident in performing and pleased to be able to offer you and your children. Our approach is holistic and inclusive, ensuring that every one of our patients are as involved with the process as possible, understanding the importance of a good daily hygiene routine as well as the frequent visitation to our practice.

From here, we can seek to apply a bespoke treatment plan so that your smile can remain as strong and healthy as possible. This can be done in a number of ways, with preventive treatments such as fissure sealants, with hygiene appointments performed by a professional and with advice and education on how to clean your own teeth at home properly for your unique situation.

What is a fissure sealant?

Often performed on young adult teeth, where children are at a greater risk of developing cavities in their new teeth which can have a devastating impact on their oral health for life, a fissure sealant is used to fill in the deep grooves on the back molars which can be difficult to clean.

If debris and bacteria stay sitting in these grooves for too long, then the enamel is eventually worn away, exposing the tooth and causing a cavity that will need restoration.

A fissure sealant protects and covers these grooves, creating a smoother surface that is easier to clean. The result is a preventive strategy that can be reapplied over n over again once it wears away.

How often should I have a hygiene appointment?

Your dentist in Harley Street will generally suggest that you have a professional cleaning appointment as often as you visit them, which is generally twice a year. We are able to use specialised tools to remove any hard to reach debris as well as plaque and tartar that cements to teeth which is not only not very attractive but is damaging to the health of your teeth as well.

By keeping your teeth looking and feeling their best, you are more likely to love the smile you have and care for it properly.

Cleaning your teeth twice a day by brushing, flossing and rinsing is perhaps the best method of preventive action that you can do. We are keen to guide you in the right way by showing you what the best tools and methods are for oral health care specifically for you.

We look forward to helping you achieve that healthy smile that you deserve.

Looking for a dentist in Harley Street who will be by your side no matter what?

Through good times and bad

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At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are a dentist in Harley Street who strives to uphold and maintain the historical reputation of the area in which our practice resides. For those who do not know, Harley Street in London’s centre has been synonymous with top-tier medical and dental care for over 100 years. By going above and beyond to provide our patients with the widest range of procedures and methodologies, each of which being uniquely moulded around their specific wants, needs and desires, we believe that we have successfully managed to retain the values and reputation of our predecessors.  Due to the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we are committed to doing everything we can to make sure that our practice functions in such a way that our patients and dental practitioners feel completely safe, comfortable and relaxed during these uncertain times. Anyone who is looking for a tried-and-tested dental practice who they can truly feel confident with should contact our dentist in Harley Street to receive the best possible dental care available in London.

Brushing up on the importance of good oral hygiene

Over the recent countrywide lockdown measures, many regular patients at our dentist in Harley Street may have understandably somewhat neglected their oral habits. Whilst we never judge our patients at Harley Street Dental Practice, we do also continually stress the importance that maintaining a healthy standard of oral wellbeing can have on our overall health. However, anybody who feels that they may have relaxed their dental routine over the past few months needn’t worry, as at Harley Street Dental Practice we provide a top-quality dental hygienist service which can ensure that a patient’s teeth are cleaned professionally and kept at a solid standard of health. Anyone who has dentures, dental bridges, implants or any form of orthodontic brace or aligners are at a higher risk of having pockets of plaque, food particles and bacteria being lodged within the spaces between their teeth. By seeking out the services of our dental hygienist here at Harley Street Dental Practice, our highly efficient and expertly trained hygiene experts can rid your teeth of any potentially damaging pockets of plaque and bacteria and leave your teeth in a healthier, cleaner state.

Getting a ‘smile makeover’

For those who are concerned or embarrassed about the aesthetics of their smiles, at Harley Street Dental Practice we offer our patients the opportunity to undergo what we call a ‘smile makeover’. Each makeover which we provide to our patients is an entirely unique and individual process – as no two smiles are the same – and this can be enormously effective in boosting a patient’s self-esteem and confidence, by giving them the ability to smile freely without fear or embarrassment over how their smile looks. Having discoloured, stained, broken, chipped or missing teeth can be the root of a number of issues, both orally and socially for patients. However, by speaking to one of our friendly and approachable cosmetic experts here at Harley Street Dental Practice it is possible to create a unique treatment plan across a range of cosmetic procedures. By working closely alongside our patients we can help them sculpt the smile that they deserve, within a timescale which suits them. As each smile is unique, the first stage in any ‘smile makeover’ involves a friendly consultation with an expert to establish the patient’s needs and what it is exactly about their smile that they are looking to change, boost or achieve. Anyone who is unhappy with the way their smile looks should contact our cosmetic team at Harley Street and begin their unique dental journey.

Unsure if you need a same-day appointment with a dentist? 5 of the most common dental emergencies

When it comes to general healthcare, it is important to be able to assess which scenarios require regular treatments/appointments and which ones need emergency attention.

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When the majority of people hear the word ‘dental’ and the word ‘emergency,’ they immediately

picture someone with a swollen face in a great deal of discomfort. Of course, this is a warranted image; many people only seek urgent dental attention when they are in discomfort, but there are many more situations which will need emergency treatment than a sore tooth.

So, when you are going about your day to day life and you notice one of your fillings is loose, is it a dental emergency or can it wait?

When it comes to dental emergencies, our dentist at Harley Street can provide you with 24-hour access to specialist advice, allowing you to feel confident that we will always be on hand to help. We prioritise certain appointments each day to dental emergencies, meaning that you won’t be left in discomfort or with large gaps from lost fillings or crowns when you join our team.

But, going back to the initial question; is a lost filling an emergency requiring a same day trip to our dentist in Harley Street? Read on for the top 5 most common dental emergencies.

Lost filling or crown

As it turns out, yes, a lost or loose filling or crown is a valid reason for an emergency trip to our dentist in Harley Street. As both of these issues can cause bacteria to infiltrate the tooth and cause further decay or an infection, as soon as you notice that one of your fillings is loose, call our team for a same-day appointment. Remember, while the lost filling may not cause discomfort, it is indeed an emergency!

Swelling

Back to the image of swelling; indicative of everything from an infection to an impacted wisdom tooth, swelling of any kind in the mouth, throat or jaw area requires urgent medical attention. Once again, even if it isn’t painful, you still need to see a member of our team as soon as possible.

Discomfort

If you have pain that is stopping you from eating, drinking, sleeping or functioning, you need to book an urgent appointment. Whether this pain resembles a shooting sensation, stabbing, burning or indeed a throbbing, it could be indicative of an infection, which will need immediate treatment.

Lumps

While most oral lumps and bumps are benign, it is best to err on the side of caution and book an emergency appointment with our team. In cases of oral cancer, early detection and treatment offer a better outcome, so it is best not to ignore this symptom.

Cracks and chips

More common with children, chips and crack in the teeth require urgent repair to prevent the damage from spreading, or from exposing the nerve of the tooth to bacteria. This really is a very common issue but, to prevent it from needing more extensive treatment, book an emergency dental appointment.

Worried about your next trip to the dentist? 5 ways Harley Street Dental can ease your anxieties

It is rarely a fun time when you receive a text message reminding you that your biannual dental check-up is due, especially if you are a nervous or phobic patient.

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Unfortunately, across the globe, many patients who are scared of attending dental check-ups have been found to have had a traumatic experience with a dental practitioner in their childhood, which often means poorer oral health throughout their adult life. As prevention is the cornerstone of maintaining high levels of dental hygiene, consistent absences from dental surgeries mean many nervous patients will experience dental pain or other preventable issues.

Luckily, there is a way you can keep your oral health in check without having heart palpitations. Many dental teams, including our team at Harley Street Dental, are trained to help the more nervous patients whom we see on a daily basis, meaning we take the fear out of dentistry.

When you are a nervous patient who visits our dentist in Harley Street, you will be treated with compassion, respect and the highest level of care. We will allow you to set the pace of treatment, provided it is not an emergency and will help you to regain your confidence by getting rid of any pain and helping you get your oral health back on track. Perfect!

How has our dentist in Harley Street helped so many formerly nervous patients turn their phobias around? Read on and find out!

Conversation

One of the primary reasons nervous patients do not attend dental check-ups is due to fear of judgement. Or, they have concerns about not being listened to.

Our dentist in Harley Street Dental will be happy to talk through any fears you may have and will be able to create a communication system with you, so when they are working on your teeth, you will be able to signal if you need a break.

If you want to know each stage of treatment, or don’t, we can customise our response to make you feel more comfortable. Brilliant!

Diversion

Does music calm you down?

Bring in your phone or another musical device so that you can listen to an audiobook or some music that you like while we go through the procedure! As music has been found to release feel-good chemicals in the brain, this will help you to build a positive association with dental check-ups and feeling positive.

Sedatives

Need something a bit stronger?

Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) can be offered to you by our team or if necessary we also have intravenous (IV) sedation to help you relax while you are in our care. If you need IV sedation, we must insist that you have an age-appropriate family member or friend to escort you home afterwards and you must not operate heavy machinery for 24 hours post sedation.

Anesthesia

We are also able to arrange for you to have full anaesthesia when you come to us for treatment, so you will be completely unconscious. Once again, for your safety, you must bring a familiar age-appropriate person along to take you home once the treatment is completed.

Who are Harley Street Dental?

We are a leading practice who works with our patients to support their smile in the friendliest and most efficient way possible. As a dentist in Harley Street our main aim is to have our practice be a warm and welcoming place that our patients feel comfortable coming to, no matter what the reason is for their visit. Our whole practice includes a strong team, who have the understanding that each patient is as unique as their smile is.

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We all work hard to meet and exceed the expectations of our patients and will work with you to achieve the goals you have surrounding yours and your family’s smiles. You can be assured that the highest standards are kept when you come in for your desired treatments. You can also be assured that you will always be met with a specialist who is high in their own field to ensure that you always receive the highest standard of care. This article will run you through what treatments you could benefit from as well as why we think you should come to our practice.

What treatments do you offer?

As a dentist in Harley Street we can offer you an array of different treatments which can be used to make your smile as strong and as healthy as possible. You could benefit from some of the services that we offer within cosmetic dentistry, and this can help you to sculpt your smile in the way that you have always wished that it looked. If you have missing teeth this is something that we can help you with, as this can be treated with specialist treatments such as dental implants.

We, of course, offer general treatments to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. We are a big advocate of preventive dentistry to ensure that your teeth are being cared for the best way possible. Invisalign is something that you could use to straighten your teeth alongside orthodontics. We can offer specialised treatments in children’s dentistry, to ensure that your child’s teeth see the best start. Facial aesthetics are available alongside specialist help and referrals.

Why should I come to your practice?

We will take the time to get to know you at our dentist in Harley Street so we can best meet your needs and desires. We will answer any questions that you have and will strive to make you as comfortable as possible. You will be made to feel comfortable as soon as you enter our practice by our helpful receptionist team. And this comfort will be carried through your entire stay at our practice. Our modern reception area has been designed with you in mind so you can make yourself at home before your appointment.

Here you can have access to tea and coffee while you watch television in order to make yourself as relaxed as possible. A prayer room is also available to ensure that everyone’s needs are met whilst they are in our practice. You will always be matched to the most appropriate dentist for your current issue with your smile, teeth and gums. If you think that you could benefit from this treatment then you should consider getting in touch with us for a consultation.